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Evaluating Fitness To Stand Trial - A Comparative Analysis of Fit and Unfit Defendants

NCJ Number
88477
Journal
International Journal of Law and Psychiatry Volume: 4 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (1981) Pages: 145-157
Author(s)
R Roesch; D Eaves; R Sollner; M Normandin; W Glackman
Date Published
1981
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Defendants who have been found mentally fit to stand trial differ in many characteristics from those whe have been found unfit, although both groups constitute a marginal group in society.
Abstract
Study data came from the files on 106 defendants who had been found unfit and 106 defendants who were found fit by the Forensic Psychiatric Institute in British Columbia. Comparisons focused on the results of the psychiatric interview, behavior on the psychiatric ward, and demographic information. Both groups were mainly single, living alone, and unemployed at the time of arrest. Three-fifths had completed only junior high school or less. Over one-half had a history of psychiatric problems. The unfit defendants were more likely than fit defendants to be living alone and to be either transient or living in a hotel at the time of arrest. The groups were similar in the type of charge and the period of time held at the Forensic Psychiatric Institute. Almost all of the unfit defendants received a diagnosis of some form of psychosis, while most fit defendants were considered to have nonpsychotic disorders or no mental disorders. Reasons other than fitness may motivate referrals for fitness evaluations, since nearly all defendants are found to be fit. Most data were obtained in the psychiatric interview, indicating that lengthy institutional evaluations may not be necessary. In addition, decisions regarding fitness may not necessarily reflect characteristics that would inhibit a defendant's ability to stand trial. Tables and 18 references are provided.